Amateur and Senior Hockey Leagues

exploring the past hockey leagues of north america

Amateur Hockey Leagues formed the basis of hockey as
we know it today. Starting with the Amateur Hockey
Association in 1893 we look at these leagues and their
history over time. In addition we look at the development
of the Senior Hockey Leagues throughout North America.

During the years the Canadian Amateur Hockey League was in operation
the Stanley Cup was awarded via the challenge system. It was also during
the early 1900's that professional hockey was starting to find it's roots
and an expansion of hockey leagues was occuring. This resulted in challenges
occuring from the Federal Hockey League, the Manitoba Hockey League, the
Ontario Hockey Association and some independent teams. Since there was
also some movement of teams through the leagues and as such we have noted
which league was represented by the champions.

On January 30, 1904, a league game between the Ottawa Silver Seven and the Montreal
Victorias started late and both teams agreed to end the game at midnight,
with the Silver Seven leading 4-1. The CAHL ordered instead the game to
be replayed instead of aborted, and the ensuing debate caused the Silver
Seven withdrawing from the CAHL. The CAHL hoped that, now without Ottawa,
the Cup would remain with the CAHL and become the property of its Quebec
team, while the Stanley Cup trustees determined otherwise. For a while,
the Otawa Silver Seven were not affiliated with any league, but in 1905,
they would join the rival Federal Amateur Hockey League.

Mar. 2, 1904: at Montreal Ottawa 5 Montreal Wanderers (FAHL) 5. Following the
tie game, a new two game series was ordered to
be played in Ottawa. Wanderers refused unless the tie game
was replayed in Montreal. No settlement could be reached.
The series was abandoned and Ottawa retained the Stanley Cup.
A two game challenge series from Brandon Wheat Kings was accepted.